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The BNZ Auckland Lantern Festival will light up South Auckland’s Manukau Sports Bowl in February 2025 as it celebrates the Chinese New Year and the Year of the Snake.
The highly anticipated four-day festival, presented by Tātaki Auckland Unlimited on behalf of Auckland Council, will run from Thursday, February 13 – Sunday, February 16, and will surprise and delight visitors with hundreds of handmade lanterns, traditional and contemporary performances, cultural displays and delicious food.
In the Chinese zodiac calendar 2025 signifies the Year of the Snake which illuminates the Snake’s wisdom and intuition and symbolises transformation and personal growth.
In celebration of the Year of the Snake, a magnificent handmade snake lantern will be on display beside the main stage at the festival.
Tātaki Auckland Unlimited head of events Michelle Hooper says the festival is a cornerstone of Auckland’s cultural festival offering.
“We’re proud to be holding the BNZ Auckland Lantern Festival in Manukau again in 2025.
“It’s a wonderful celebration of Chinese culture and a testament to Auckland’s proud Chinese heritage. This is our largest cultural event, attracting more than 110,000 attendees in 2024, and one of the best-loved festivals in our summer calendar. We’re looking forward to sharing four days of performances, food, stalls – and of course, the spectacular lanterns which will be on show for everyone to enjoy.
“This event has been bringing the Auckland community together since 2000 and it showcases the artistry, innovation and vibrancy of our region and that’s worth celebrating.”
“The Lantern Festival is a fantastic celebration of Auckland’s diverse communities, and we’re delighted to continue our support in 2025,” says BNZ senior brand partnerships manager Kim Ravenhall.
